Free HIV/AIDS Testing Offered on World AIDS Day, December 1

Posted: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 11:45 AM

Article by: Joe Clark, clarkjx@pgcc.edu

LARGO, Md.— The public can be tested for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and receive sexually transmitted infections screenings at Prince George’s Community College, December 1, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., in Largo Student Center. The free events are open to the public in commemoration of World AIDS Day and sponsored in partnership with the Prince George’s County Health Department and Heart to Hand, Inc. Participants can also hear speakers, listen to a panel discussion and experience “Secrets,” an HIV/AIDS theatrical presentation by the Kaiser Permanente Theater Group.

According to Prince George’s County Health Department’s 2010 HIV and AIDS statistics, the county has the second highest number of cases for both HIV and AIDS in the state and African-Americans represent 86.5 percent of new AIDS cases.

“The statistics are alarming for HIV/AIDS cases in Prince George’s County,” said Pamela M. Thomas, coordinator, Health Education Center at PGCC. “The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day is Leading with Science, Uniting for Action and it is an opportunity to have as many students and members of the community tested as possible,” she added.

Recognized each year on December 1, World AIDS Day is an international day of action and is designed to raise awareness of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and reduce the spread of the disease through education. For more information about World AIDS Day events at the college, contact the Prince George’s Community College Health Education Center at 301-322-0845.

Prince George’s Community College is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Two-year Education (CAE2Y) designated by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security for the years 2010 to 2015. Established in 1958, Prince George’s Community College provides transfer and career programs that help students transfer to four-year colleges and universities and prepare them for the workforce. Each year, 40,000 students take part in more than 200 academic programs and workforce development and continuing education courses. Located in Largo, Maryland, Prince George’s Community College has additional sites at Joint Base Andrews, University Town Center in Hyattsville, Laurel College Center, Skilled Trades Center in Camp Springs, and Westphalia Training Center in Upper Marlboro. For more information, visit the college website at www.pgcc.edu.